a night to remember for the obamas and for the nation that re-elected the president. i'm steve handelsman, nbc news, washington. >>> president obama never used the words "democrat" or "republican" in his second inaugural address, but his political message was clear, progressive policies along with a directive for leaders that define us as individuals and as a country. >> the commitments we make to each other through medicare and medicaid and social security, these things do not sap our initiative, they strengthen us. they do not make us a nation of takers. they free us to take the risks that make this country great. we will respond to the threat of climate change. knowing that the failure to do so would betray our children and future generations. we, the people, still believe that enduring security and lasting peace do not require perpetual war. and we must be a source of hope to the poor, the sick, the marginalized, the victims of prejudice. our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law. our journey is not c